Seven candidates have taken part in the first French left-wing TV debate ahead of a primary to choose a candidate for this year’s presidential race.

France’s new prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve has officially taken office during a handover ceremony in Paris.

French president François Hollande has spoken in Paris on the theme of democracy in the face of terrorism.

A ban on full-body burkini swimsuits that has outraged Muslims was suspended by France’s highest administrative court on Friday, pending a definitive ruling.

French authorities have arrested seven people on terrorism-related offences this month, at least three of whom allegedly had specific projects planned. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve made the announcement during a meeting with his German counterpart in Paris.

Paris (France) - Critics say that it is too little too late.

After an overnight debate in France’s lower house of parliament, deputies voted early on Wednesday to extend a state of emergency nationwide for another six months.

Paris (France) - With less than a year until the next presidential election, Francois Hollande used his last Bastille Day address to defend his legacy. Steering the country through the financial crisis, terrorism attacks and the fallout from the Brexit vote, the French President cast himself as a guardian of the Republic.